US rapper Kanye West (Photo by AFP)
Jenn An, a contestant on America's Next Top Model, has filed a lawsuit against rapper Kanye West, accusing him of assaulting her during the filming of a music video in 2010, according to People.
In the lawsuit filed in New York federal court, the model claims that West orchestrated a scene where he choked her while a camera crew filmed the incident. This took place during the filming of the music video for La Roux's song 'In for the Kill,' which featured West on a remix.
An was working as a background actress at New York City's Chelsea Hotel in September 2010 when the alleged incident occurred. She claims that West chose her because she was not wearing much clothing and asked other background artists to leave the room.
The lawsuit alleges that West began to choke An with one hand and then used both hands to strangle her. She struggled to breathe and temporarily lost consciousness. When West finished, her face was covered in saliva and smeared makeup.
Universal Music Group (UMG) is also named as a co-defendant in the case, with An alleging that the company failed to investigate the incident. The lawsuit suggests that West's controversies, which included gendered and abusive behavior, were a profitable brand for UMG, leading them to overlook his unlawful conduct.
Jenn An is seeking a trial by jury for punitive damages, legal fees, and compensation for mental, emotional, and physical injuries, distress, pain, suffering, and damage to her reputation. Her attorneys also claim that UMG systematically discriminates against women by continuing to work with artists who have histories of sexual harassment and discrimination.
The suit further alleges that UMG and its affiliate labels, including Interscope Records, attempted to 'bury' the incident.
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